Indictment For Governor Of Kentucky

By IAN URBINA

Published: May 12, 2006

Gov. Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky, a Republican, was indicted yesterday on charges that he illegally rewarded political supporters with state jobs.

Mr. Fletcher, who is charged with three misdemeanors -- criminal conspiracy, official misconduct and violating the prohibition against political discrimination -- has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the state attorney general, Gregory D. Stumbo, a Democrat, of being politically motivated in his investigation.

The indictment is the culmination of a yearlong investigation that began after a whistleblower provided paperwork to Mr. Stumbo, who accused Mr. Fletcher of violating civil-service hiring laws by filling rank-and-file state jobs based on the political leanings of applicants rather than their merit. The governor could face up to 12 months in prison and $500 in fines.

''This has been a politically motivated, media-driven investigation from the start,'' Governor Fletcher said in a statement. ''Because of the politicization of this entire investigation, we are filing a motion at this time to disqualify Greg Stumbo and his entire office from further participation in this matter.''

Vicki Glass, a spokeswoman for Mr. Stumbo, said the motion was baseless.

The indictment says that Mr. Fletcher and members of his administration ran background checks on job applicants to look for political affiliations and donations.

The Franklin County grand jury also indicted a former state transportation official, Sam Beverage, on charges of perjury, a felony.

Thirteen other current and former administration officials and associates were previously indicted on misdemeanor counts, and the grand jury handed up an additional 14 sealed indictments yesterday.

On Aug. 29, Mr. Fletcher issued a blanket pardon covering everyone who had been indicted up to that date and anyone who might be indicted in the future except himself. The additional 14 indictments under seal are awaiting a final ruling from the Kentucky Supreme Court on whether the grand jury may continue to indict people who could be covered under the pardon, which the lower courts have approved.

Mr. Fletcher is the first sitting Kentucky governor to be indicted, officials said.